WASHINGTON, D.C.  — The Catholic University women's soccer team fell to Muhlenberg, 1-0, on Saturday night.

In a match that saw very little between the two sides, the Mules were able to protect a slender first-half advantage despite a spirited second-half push from Catholic.

Muhlenberg found the breakthrough in the 19th minute, when a deflected cross found its way to Bri Astbury's feet in the penalty area. She was able to finish low, from close range, past Ava Rieger to score the only goal of the match.

The Cardinals pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half, outshooting Muhlenberg 6-4 and registering five of the final six shots of the match. Catholic also registered six second-half corners to Muhlenberg's one, but were unable to convert the chances into a goal.

Jordan Siok again looked the most dangerous going forward, and Catholic went closest through the junior in the 29th minute. She latched onto a ball in the penalty area and fired a shot that rang off of Sara Pecorelli's left-hand post. The chance came just one minute after Lauren Cerda forced a save out of the Muhlenberg goalkeeper.

The Cardinal defense was strong, not allowing many clear-cut chances aside from the goal. Freshman Payton Hardy played the entire match in defense while freshman Teighan Boyle also showed well.

Freshman Emily Longenderfer made her collegiate debut, preformaning well in a defensive midfield role.

Siok led the team with three shots, while Cerda and Isabel Doherty put two efforts toward the frame. Maeve Graham played the second 45 minutes in goal, keeping a clean sheet a second-half clean sheet.

Catholic will now turn its attention to a road contest on Tuesday night, when they travel to Bryn Mawr. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.